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H 915

An Act expanding access to trails for people of all abilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 24 co-sponsors

Expands accessible trail access for all abilities by creating a Trail Access Working Group and Advisory Council, with annual reports and public hearings to guide policy.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 915

Summary: An Act expanding access to trails for people of all abilities (H 915)

Overview

  • Bill number: H. 915
  • Title: An Act expanding access to trails for people of all abilities
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status: Hearing scheduled October 7, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in A-1
  • Primary sponsor: Representative Michelle L. Ciccolo
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (Feb. 27, 2025)

This bill seeks to maximize and expand accessibility to trails, outdoor spaces, and outdoor recreational activities for people of all abilities across the Commonwealth, with a focus on equity and inclusive design.

Key Provisions

  • New policy framework (Section 2H): Inserts a dedicated policy to maximize access to paved and unpaved trails and outdoor spaces for people of all abilities, and to advance equity for all residents. The policy applies to outdoor recreation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and, for outdoor recreation, to the Department of Fish and Game.

  • Trail Access Working Group (Section 2H(c)–(d)): Establishes the Trail Access Working Group (TAWG) to guide implementation. Key features:

    • Chair: Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) or designee.
    • Members include: Director of the Universal Access Program (DCR), representative from the Department of Fish and Game, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office on Disability, representatives from accessibility and disability-rights organizations, conservation organizations, trails organizations, regional planning entities, and at least 3 town/city representatives from communities with trails.
    • Diversity and disability representation: At least one-third of members must self-identify as having disabling conditions; geographic and racial/ethnic diversity prioritized.
    • Broad stakeholder inclusion: Requires representatives from trail designers, regional planning, and other relevant groups.

  • TAWG duties (Section 2H(d)): The Group must:

    • Review current access to paved and unpaved trails.
    • Examine best practices and federal guidelines (e.g., US Forest Service standards, US Access Board standards) and expert recommendations.
    • Review state and federal legal requirements.
    • Consider wetlands policy impact on trail access.
    • Appoint members to the Trail Access Advisory Council (described below).
    • Hold at least three open public hearings annually in different regions.
    • File an annual report with comprehensive recommendations to improve access, including potential implementation timelines and cost estimates and potential funding sources.

  • Reporting (Section 2H(e)): The TAWG must file its annual report with the Governor, EOEEA, and the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and publish it on the DCR public website.

  • Trail Access Advisory Council (Section 2H(f)): Establishes the Trail Access Advisory Council to serve as a public resource and to advise on implementation of the Working Group’s findings. Features include:

    • Chair is EOEEA Secretary or designee.
    • Members include individuals designated by the Working Group and other contributing stakeholders.
    • At least one-third of Council members must self-identify as having disabling conditions.
    • Appointment diversity requirements to reflect various regions and needs.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State agencies: DCR and the Department of Fish and Game gain strengthened mandates to maximize trail access and coordinate on accessibility standards.
  • Disability and accessibility organizations: Expanded roles and formalize input into state trail planning and policy.
  • Local governments: Towns and cities with trails are explicitly represented on the Working Group; potential influence on funding, grants, and local trail projects.
  • Public and trail users: Increased opportunities for accessible trail design, better alignment with federal accessibility guidelines, and more public input opportunities (public hearings).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: Introduced February 27, 2025; referred to Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 7, 2025 (1:00–5:00 PM) in Committee Room A-1.
  • Reporting cadence: Annual reports by the Working Group; ongoing publication on the department’s website.
  • Implementation horizon: The bill envisions an advisory structure and recommended timelines within annual reports; any cost implications would be identified with funding sources within those reports.

What the Bill Would Not Directly Mandate (at this stage)

  • Specific construction projects or mandatory expenditures are not enumerated; cost estimates and funding sources are to be included in the Working Group’s annual recommendations.

This bill represents a structured framework to improve accessibility to outdoor recreation across Massachusetts, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, data-driven review, adherence to federal accessibility standards, and ongoing public engagement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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